Read All About It: St. Augustine illustrator making mark in childen's books

Brandy Hilboldt Allport

Friday

Jan 1, 2016 at 2:56 PM

Children often ask questions that fall into what adults refer to the "why the sky is blue" category. How does a bat find its way back home? What makes thunder sound so loud? Do fish ever sleep? If the little nature-lover that you know reels off these questions and more, consider reading "They Just Know." Each double-page spread highlights one of Mother Nature's wonders and offers several facts and a bit of witty wordplay, too.

"No one teaches baby kingsnakes that biting isn't a good way to make friends. And kingsnakes don't shop for long pants when they are ready to shed their old skin. When they go to bed, baby kingsnakes definitely don't need stuffed animals to squeeze. They already are stuffed with animals."

Creatures that co-star with the kingsnakes include tadpoles, ladybugs and horn sharks. The last four pages of the book, labeled "Creative Minds" showcase educational graphics about subjects such as instinct versus learned behavior. Other free activities appear at www.arbordalepublishing.com.

Though the words for this book are strong, the illustrations dominate readers' attention. Laurie Allen Klein of St. Augustine created them.

"In No. 2 pencil, charcoal, color pencil, paint, ink or scratchboard - the right image in the right style, can illuminate, enhance, clarify, explain or entertain," wrote Klein in a recent news release. "Whether it's for a book, a wall mural, a concept sketch or everything in between, I enjoy the art of art."

Klein's previous titles for Arbordale Publishing include "Balloon Trees," "Fur and Feathers," "The Ghost of Donley Farm," "If A Dolphin Were a Fish," "Little Skink's Tail," "Meet the Planets," "Solar Systems Forecast" and "Where Should Turtle Be?" To see more of Klein's work, find out about her job as an illustrator for Sea World and check her book signing schedule, visit lauriekleinarts.com.

Kudos to Klein for her continued accomplishments in the world of children's books.

NEW AND NOTABLE

A big splash: Check out "Who Needs a Bath" written and illustrated by Jeff Mack ("Frog and Fly," "Clueless McGee"). Bear wants a crowd at Skunk's birthday party, but will everyone show if the guest of honor smells unpleasant? Bear thinks not and decides to persuade Skunk to plunge into the water and scrub with a lot of soap. The book is for ages 4 to 6 and costs $17.99. HarperCollins published it.

World of words: "W is for Webster" by Tracy Fern ("Dare the Wind") provides a succinct narrative about a significant person from the pages of U.S. history. Intricate illustrations by Boris Kulikov, an author's note and a list of additional sources make this book an information-rich choice for grade-schoolers looking for a subject for next semester's big project. "Webster" is for readers ages 7 to 9, and it costs $17.99 from Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers.

Naturally good: "Dandelions" by Katrina McKelvey tells a simple story about a girl who loves the weedy "puff balls" though her father thinks the lawn looks better without them. A compromise between the duo showcases a poetic trip for readers that starts with an exhaled breath and ends with a tiny featherlike object swirling near the sun. Kirrili Lonergan created the watercolor-style illustrations for this book. It's for children ages 5 to 8 and costs $17.99 from EK.

brandy.allport@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4378.

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